Tour de France (2012) Photos Jun 30 - Jul 22

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A reminder about pre-race photos: Cadel Evans at the teams presentation on Thursday (photos), was the last rider to start the prologue as last year's overall winner. And photos from the route presentation in October.	2004 Flashback: 23-year old Fabian Cancellara, riding for Fassa Bortolo at the time, on his way to his first Grand Tour "stage" win on the very same prologue course in Liège of the 2102 Grand Depart.	Fast forward 8 years and now Fabian Cancellera is the focus of attention
Fabian Cancellara still dominates in this event	The crowd in Liége cheering on Cancellara	8 years after his first Liége win, Fabian CANCELLARA (RADIOSHACK-NISSAN) wins again. 6.4 km in 7:13.
Cancellara digging for the line	Race favorite Bradley Wiggins (Sky)	2nd Bradley WIGGINS (SKY PROCYCLING) + 0:07
3rd Sylvain CHAVANEL (OMEGA PHARMA-QUICKSTEP) had the best time until Bradley Wiggins broke it by fractions of a second	4th Tejay VAN GARDEREN (BMC RACING) + 0:10 and the best young rider today	5th Edvald BOASSON HAGEN (SKY PROCYCLING) + 0:11 had the best time until Chavanel broke it
6th Brett LANCASTER (ORICA - GREENEDGE) + 0:11 also had a early best time that lasted for awhile	9th Philippe GILBERT (BMC RACING), the Belgian National TT champ, + 0:13 put in a good performance in front of his home crowd	11th Christopher FROOME (SKY PROCYCLING) + 0:16
13th Cadel EVANS (BMC RACING) + 0:17. Notice he elected not to wear the Yellow Jersey as previous winner's often do on the first day.	14th Vincenzo NIBALI (LIQUIGAS-CANNONDALE) + 0:18	The Giro winner, Ryder HESJEDAL (GARMIN - SHARP) out of the gates on his way to 15th + 0:18
22nd George HINCAPIE (BMC Racing) + 0:20 setting a record with his 17th Tour de France start	Your prologue winner...	... Fabian Cancellara will once again start the Tour de France with the leader's jersey

Stage 1:  Liège → Seraing, 198 km  Full Results and Report

The Tour de France expo at the start in Liége with banners of past champions including Greg Lemond (right) and Bernard Hinault (left)	The Crédit Lyonnais teddy bear. If you don't win one then you can buy one here.	First day in the White Jersey for Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing) as best young rider thanks to his fine 4th place finish in the Prologue
Second in the prologue gives Bradley Wiggins the Green Jersey here signing in with Mark Cavendish	Team Sky, leaders of the teams competition, acknowledging the crowd. They placed 2nd, 5th and 11th in the prologue.	Peter Sagan about to sign an autograph once he's done with a pre-race photo-op. We'll see him again later.
Stage 1 and local favorite Philippe Gilbert arriving with his baby boy. That looks like half of NBCSport's Craig Hummer on the left and Gilbert's wife trailing on the right	Looks like they've done this before. This time Gilbert speaks to the Eurosport interviewer as he passes by.	Race leader Fabian Cancellara rolling to the start
The start scene in Liége	The rollout from Liége for the first road stage of this year's Tour	With a break up the road early on, RadioShack-Nissan set the pace at the front on a lumpy stage with 5 cat 4 KOMs
Race leader Fabian Cancellara nestled behind his RadioShack-Nissan teammates	Team Sky in the Yellow helmets. ASO has a new protocol where the leaders of the teams competition all wear a yellow helmet. Needless to say, it hasn't met with positive reaction from fans.	A lackluster, six man break gained a maximum advantage of fours minutes before being reeled in well before the finish. Michael Morkov (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank), in the middle, won 3 of the 4 KOMs before the finish to claim the first Polka dot jersey at this year's Tour.
Fabian Cancellara attacked with 1.5 km to go on the uphill finish and Peter Sagan wisely followed him	According to RAI commentator, Paolo Savoldelli, Peter Sagan wanted to work with Cancellara, but his Liquigas-Cannondale team car told him not to. That's Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky), blurry in the background, about to bridge up	Cadel Evans towing the rest up of the peloton to the line
Peter Sagan easily won the three man bunch sprint	Finish line panoramic	It didn't take long for Peter Sagan to get his first Tour stage win
Sagan celebrates, Cancellara drops his head and top 48 riders all finish in the same time	Your stage 1 winner, Peter Sagan. At just 22 years-old, this could be a familiar scene for years to come.	Race leader Fabian Cancellara getting looked after on the podium

Stage 2:  Visé → Tournai, 208 km  Full Results and Report

Race leader Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Nissan) seems to be pointing out that he shaved this morning or that yesterday's finish was a close shave?	Cadel Evans (BMC) signing in	Mark Cavendish looking focused. We'll see him again later.
Yesterday's winner and wearer of the Green Jersey, Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale)	Philippe Gilbert and his young son on the handlebars again today	The Caravan starts first
The start scene in Visé, Belgium with massive crowds		The stage 2 rollout
Mark Cavendish possibly telling Peter Sagan that this is a stage for the pure sprinters	The peloton climbing the cat 4 Citadelle de Namur at km 82, the only climb of the day	Final kms: The Lotto Belisol leadout train at the front
	Mark Cavendish further back ready to move to the front	The sprint finish in full-flight in Tournai, Belgium
Three ex-Highroad teammates at the finish line. Mark Cavendish came around André Greipel to win by a wheel. Matt Goss was third.	The photo finish photo
Mark Cavendish celebrates his 21st career Tour de France stage win and his first this year	Your stage 2 winner, Mark Cavendish	Cavendish receives congratulations from the King of Belgium
Fabian Cancellara receiving his third Yellow Jersey this year

Stage 3:  Orchies → Boulogne-sur-Mer, 197 km  Full Results and Report

The Tour de France expo this morning in Orchies	Expo panoramic	The walk of fame with the names of past champions
The morning signing-in	Levi Leipheimer looking nervous before today's stage. He has a history of crashing during the first week at the Tour.	Sylvain Chavanel won the 2011 French Championships in Boulogne-sur-Mer so he'll know the finish well. He later launched a solo attack in the final kms today and almost soloed to victory.
Philippe Gilbert was a favorite again today but he finished outside the top 25	Peter Sagan looking focused in Orchies. The finish sets up well again for the stage 1 winner and current leader in the Green Jersey competition.	Cadel Evans (BMC) kept out of trouble today on his way to finishing 6th + 1s
Race leader Fabian Cancellara looking forward to another chance at winning today	Cancellara strapping in	The first half of today's stage was flat and pleasant
The peloton passing by the Aire-sur-la-Lys church	The unsuccessful break	There were six cat 4 climbs in the last 70 km of racing that produced the expected chaotic finish
The second last corner with about 150m to go and Kris Boeckmans (Vacansoleil-DCM) at the front	Michael Albasini coming around Kris Boeckmans (Vacansoleil-DCM) to finish 5th	As Kris Boeckmans (Vacansoleil-DCM) runs out of gas and misses the final corner (he finished outside the top 20), Peter Sagan charges around the outside heading into the final corner
Peter Sagan sits up well before the line to celebrate with a running dance	Peter Sagan wins the 700m at 7.4% uphill finish in Boulogne-sur-Mer	Peter Sagan dancing away...
... before firing off a victory salute	Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky Procycling) with the runner-up grimace + 1s. Combined age of the top 2 riders, 47.	3rd Peter Velits (Omega Pharma-Quickstep), 4th Fabian Cancellara (Radioshack-Nissan), 5th Michael Albasini (Orica - Greenedge)
A crash near the finish meant many riders received the same time, fairly or unfairly, as finishing riders were clearly strung out with gaps.	Your stage 3 winner, Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale)	The baby faced killer
Another Yellow Jersey for Fabian Cancellara	With another win, Peter Sagan extends his lead in the points competition	KOM leader Michael Morkov (Saxo Bank -Tinkoff Bank) was in the break and keeps the polka dot jersey.

Stage 4:  Abbeville → Rouen, 215 km  Full Results and Report

Oscar Freire (Katusha) picking out a bike prior today's stage	Adult-only entertainment at the pre-race festivities in Abbeville?	Keeping the crowd cool with a little flare
Riders stocking up at the PowerBar buffet	France's current favorite son, Thomas Voeckler	Peter Sagan and his leadout man Daniel Oss saluting the crowd in Abbeville
With two stage wins already, Peter Sagan is happy to have accomplished his 2012 Tour de France goals so early in the race	Mark Cavendish is smiling now, but his day didn't end very well	Oh um, another day in Yellow
Race director Christian Prudhomme pointing out the cameras ahead of Fabian Cancellara	The peloton descending one of the four cat 4 climbs along the Alabaster coast (Normandy) in the first half of the race	The peloton passing through Dieppe Harbor
The peloton heading inland through Allouville with about 60 km to go to the finish in Rouen	The final km and Lotto Belisol leading the way through the final bend before straight finish	Peter Sagan in green avoided the crash moments earlier that split the peloton
Mark Cavendish can wear the biggest winner's smile or the most sour countenance. He was right in the middle of the crash with less than 3 km to go.	Mark Cavendish surveying his crash damage while a flurry of activity takes place behind him	Meanwhile, the full-flight sprint in Rouen carried on without Cavendish as Lotto Belisol's last leadout man, Greg Henderson, fires off a victory salute in the rear
André Greipel (Lotto Belisol) wins ahead 2nd Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre - ISD), 3rd Tom Veelers (Argos-Shimano), 4th Matthew Harley Goss (Orica GreenEdge), 5th Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale)	Finish panorama	A sorry-looking Mark Cavendish crossing the line several minutes later
Your stage 4 winner, André Greipel (Lotto Belisol) celebrates his 2nd Tour de France win and his first this year		Fabian Cancellara was caught behind the crash, but the 3 km applied so he keeps the Yellow Jersey

Stage 5:  Rouen → Saint-Quentin, 197 km  Full Results and Report

Flashback: 15 years ago to the day, the 1997 Tour de France Grand Depart took place in Rouen as a tribute to "France's favorite son", Jacques Anquetil. From July 5 1997, here are five time winners of the Tour de France Frenchman Bernard Hinault (L), Belgian Eddy Merckx (C) and Miguel Indurain of Spain paying hommage at the grave side of Tour de France hero Jacques Anquetil who also won the coverted title on five occasions.	Today, Jacques Anquetil at the stage 5 start in Rouen	Ironically, today was also the day when more damning news came out against another 5-time (7-time) winner, Lance Armstrong.
The four riders from the teams presentation last week (George Hincapie, Dave Zabriskie, Levi Leipheimer and Christian Vandevelde) who apparently have testified against Lance Armstrong. Lance later tweeted this morning: "So let me get this straight. Come in and tell @usantidoping exactly what they wanted to hear in exchange for immunity, anonymity, and the opportunity to continue to race the biggest event in cycling. This isn't about @usantidoping wanting to clean up cycling - rather it's just plain ol' selective prosecution that reeks of vendetta." Tygart: Bullying USADA witnesses cannot be tolerated — velonews Former Lance Armstrong teammates still in the Tour — for now — velonews	The start of the toddlers race	Lots to talk about on a beautiful morning in Rouen
Another start panorama from Rouen	Dave Zabriskie and the other three U.S. riders in the news today were evasive this morning	Yesterday's winner, Lotto Belisol
White Jersey leader, Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing)		Fabian Cancellara and Ivan Basso at the start in Rouen
Mark Cavendish strapping on a new helmet after smashing his previous one yesterday in the crash	Start panorama	Peter Sagan and Liquigas teammate Vincenzo Nibali hamming it up early in the race
Today's break consisting of Matthieu Lagadnous (FDJ-BigMat), Pablo Urtasun (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Jan Ghyselinck (Cofidis) and Julien Simon (Saur-Sojasun) put up a good fight for 190 km but came up 500m short	Lotto Belisol and RadioShack-Nissan keeping the race under control	Jan Ghyselinck (Cofidis) from the break putting in one more big dig; the break about to be reeled in with less than one km to go
André Greipel (Lotto Belisol) wins for the second day in a row ahead of Matt Goss (Orica-GreenEdge) and Juan José Haedo (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank). Mark Cavendish was 4th.	André Greipel (Lotto Belisol) called this his best win ever because he miraculously avoided stayed up in the crash that took out Tyler Farrar and Peter Sagan
The slightly uphill finish today suited Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale), but he couldn't avoid a fallen bike and crashed at low speed	Your stage 5 winner, André Greipel (Lotto Belisol)	Fabian Cancellara received his 27th career Yellow Jersey today more than anyone who hasn't won the Tour de France

Stage 6:  Épernay → Metz, 208 km  Full Results and Report

Pre-race festivities in Épernay		Fabian Cancellara signing-in. Start host, Epernay, is a town surrounded by 30,000 acres of vineyards making it the champagne capital of France
	Frank Schleck talking with race director Jean-François Pescheux	The rolling through the flat farmlands of the region
	Race leader, Fabian Cancellara, survived all the carnage today to retain the Yellow Jersey for one more day	The day wasn't as peaceful as it looked
Crash panorama: This seems to happen every year now. A high speed mass pile up with 25 km to go has once again wrecked the race before the mountain stages begin.	Once again it was Lotto Belisol at the front with 1 km to go	Peter Sagan and André Griepel on the left of the screen
More riders who escaped the crash including the Yellow Jersey	Dave Zabriskie was the last survivor in the long break. He was caught with 2 km to go.	The finish line photographers lining up the same shot
After another flat stage that saw many crashes. Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) won the sprint finish ahead of André Griepel (Lotto) who crashed twice earlier in the stage and separated his shoulder among other things.	Peter Sagan beats an injured gorilla in Metz	A new victory salute from Peter Sagan today...
	The Incredible Hulk is appropriate	Janez Brajkovic, Michele Scarponi and Frank Schleck lead in a group of GC contenders who lost more than two minutes as a result of the crash
Robert Gesink (Rabobank) lost 3:31 today	Peter Sagan celebrates on the podium for the third time in his first Tour de France	Dave Zabriskie won the award for the most aggressive rider. It was a good day to be in a break; he was the only Garmin-Sharp rider to avoid the crashes today.
This photo from yesterday's crash that came in late pretty much summarizes the first week of racing

Stage 7:  Tomblaine → La Planche des Belles Filles, 199 km  Full Results and Report

Last year's overall winner, Cadel Evans (BMC Racing), was expected to shine today with the first mountainous stage and summit finish	The star of the first week with three stage wins, Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannodale), wasn't expected to be a factor although a few pundits (not us) thought he might contest for the win. He finished 120th + 12 minutes… saving himself to work for Vincenzo Nibali later on or Sunday's medium mountain stage with a flat finish	The main break got away at km 20, had a maximum advantage of 6 minutes and was caught at the base of the finishing climb. It consisted of Cyril Gautier (Europcar), Christophe Riblon (AG2R), Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank), Chris Anker Sorensen (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank), Dmitriy Fofonov (Astana), Martin Velits (Omega Pharma-QuickStep), and Michael Albasini (Orica-GreenEdge)
Picturesque lake and hilly scenery as the the peloton passes by a community in the area of the Vosges	Team Sky with Richie Porte on the front here did most of the pacemaking on the 5.9 km @ 8.5% max 22% finishing climb to La Planche des Belles Filles	Cadel Evans (BMC Racing), Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale), Denis Menchov (Katusha) and Rein Taaramae (Cofidis) were the only riders that could follow the Team Sky train
After Sky did the pacesetting on the finishing climb to La Planche des Belles Filles, Cadel Evans attacked on the final bend with 500m to go followed by Team Sky's Christopher Froome and Bradley Wiggins	But, after leading the pacesetting over the final 2 kms, Christopher Froome (Sky) still had enough for one last dig to the line on the steepest part of the climb (max 22%) which Cadel Evans couldn't match	Christopher Froome (Sky) celebrates a win "I couldn't believe his luck" as Cadel Evans couldn't follow him
	Cadel Evans and Bradley Wiggins crossed 2 secs back	Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) was 4th + 00:07 while Rein Taaramae (Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne), blurry in the distance, was 5th + 00:19
Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Nissan) was a respectable 20th + 1:52, but loses the race lead as expected. Surprisingly, he finished ahead of teammates Andréas Klöden and Chris Horner by almost 30 seconds.	Your stage 7 winner, Christopher Froome (Sky)	Bradley Wiggins dons the Yellow Jersey at the Tour de France for the first time in his career
He's worn a lot of Yellow this year... the dream year continues for now	More KOM points were awarded on the final climb then all previous climbs combined, so the stage winner, Christopher Froome (Sky), now has the polka-dot jersey	5th today by Rein Taaramae (Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne) gives him the lead in the young rider's competition by over one minute on Thibaut Pinot (FDJ-Big Mat)
Fans post-race descending the finishing climb. This was the first time La Planche des Belles Filles was used by the Tour and based on how strung out the riders were coming across the line, the Tour will likely use it again in the near future

Stage 8:  Belfort → Porrentruy, 158 km  Full Results and Report

Bradley Wiggins' first day in Yellow featured seven categorized climbs and he relied heavily on his team to keep the relentless breaks in check	Nothing but up and down today with dangerous breaks around every corner	An easy stage for some; the peloton in the horse country of the Jura
Fredrik Kessiakoff (Astana) on the final climb, the cat 1 Col de la Croix (789 m) 3.7 km @ 9.2 %. He attacked with 85 km to go and attempted to solo in.	But, despite encouragement he was caught by Thibaut Pinot (FDJ-Big Mat) near the top of Col de la Croix. He ended up 12th + 47s.	Liquigas-Cannonadale attempted to bring the race back together to set up a win for Peter Sagan which was fine for race leader, Bradley Wiggins; however, Col de la Croix proved too steep for Sagan
Thibaut Pinot (FDJ-Big Mat) passed Kessiakoff near the top of Col de la Croix and then soloed the final 17 km to the finish	A big dinosaur greeted the race in Porrentruy	The youngest rider in the race Thibaut Pinot (FDJ-BigMat) wins after soloing over the final climb while team director Marc Madiot celebrates his team's first Tour de France stage win since 2008
Cadel Evans attacking off the peloton looking for a few seconds on Bradley Wiggins	The first successful break of this year's Tour, 22 year-old Thibaut Pinot (FDJ-BigMat) who won by 26s	Cadel Evans leads the GC contenders across the line + 26s
The youngest rider in the race, your stage 8 winner, Thibaut Pinot (FDJ-BigMat)... the first Frenchman to hit the podium of this year's Tour	A young man on the rise	Bradley Wiggins (Sky) survives a difficult first day in Yellow, but he lost his cool when the inevitable doping question came up post-race
Swede Fredrik Kessiakoff (Astana) is the new KOM leader	He was at the front of the race for almost 70 km which gives Fredrik Kessiakoff (Astana) the most aggressive rider award

Stage 9:  Arc-et-Senans → Besançon, 41.5 km (TT)  Full Results and Report

Bradley Wiggins (Sky) delivered what he called his best time-trial performance	Bradley Wiggins (Sky) won the 41.5 km ITT in a scintillating time of 51:24	Bradley Wiggins took complete control of the race today
One of today's surprise rides was Bradley Wiggins' teammate, Christopher Froome (Sky Procycling) who was 2nd + 35s	Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Nissan) set the early best time as expected	Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Nissan) was 3rd + 57s
4th Tejay Van Garderen (BMC Racing) was the best young rider + 1:06	The French national champion produced one of his best TTs, 5th Sylvain Chavanel (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) + 1:24	Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) conceded + 1:43 to Bradley Wiggins with his 6th place performance... a thorough beating
7th Peter Velits (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) + 1:59	8th Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) + 2:07	9th "The Silient Assassin" Denis Menchov (Katusha) + 2:08
Menchov keeps his head buried better than anyone	Tony Martin who flatted in the prologue also flatted today. He was also riding with a broken bone in his hand. Nonetheless he finished 12th + 2:16	Tour de Suisse overall champion Rui Costa (Movistar) was 14th + 2:22
Rein Taaramae (Cofidis, Le Credit en Ligne) lost his young jersey today. He was 28th + 3:29	Levi Leipheimer (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) must have been disappointed with his 32nd finish + 3:48	The KOM leader, yesterday's most aggressive rider and the winner of a long Tour de Suisse TT last month, Fredrik Kessiakoff (Astana) was 48th + + 4:42
Stage 8 winner, Thibaut Pinot (FDJ-Big Mat) paid for his solo effort yesterday: 59th + 5:12	Podium panorama	In his sixth Tour de France, Bradley Wiggins (Sky) celebrates his first career Tour de France stage win
A tidy lead; Bradley Wiggins (Sky) consolidated his race lead today	Whomp	Bradley Wiggins (Sky) was pumped today after putting big time into all his rivals

Stage 10:  Mâcon → Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, 195 km  Full Results and Report

The peloton on the HC Col du Grand Colombier (17.4 km @ 7.1 %, max 12 %)	Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank) attacked from the break on Col du Grand Colombier...	which drew out Thomas Voeckler (Europcar), Michele Scarponi (Lampre) and Dries Devenyns (Omega Pharma-Quick Step)
Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) speeding past a large French flag	Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) waiting for the right time to make his attack on the long drag to the finish.	Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) with 500m to go
Jens Voigt (RadioShack-Nissan) bridged up to the four man break on the descent of Col de Richmond and made several attacks in the final kms	Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) being urged on with the support of the crowd	The strung out, slow motion sprint finish on the long drag to the line
It's uncanny how Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) can win these sort of stages		Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) getting some help past the finish line
2nd Michele Scarponi (Lampre) + 3s	3rd Jens Voigt (RadioShack-Nissan) +7s	4th Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank) + 23s and Dries Devenyns (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) + 30s
GC contender Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Lotto Belisol) driving the next group...	... Sandy Casar (FDJ-Big Mat) crossed first in the group for 6th + 2:44	Pierre Rolland (Europcar) and Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Lotto Belisol) congratulate each other on gaining 32s on the other GC contenders
	Cadel Evans (BMC) driving the GC group to the line
	Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) was 12th + 3:36 followed by Bradley Wiggins (Sky) who turned around and mocked Vincenzo Nibali's effort to gain today on the descent of Col du Grand Colombier	Denis Menchov cross silently for 16th in the same time as the other GC riders
27th Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing) + 3:33 had a tough day today but hung onto the White young rider's jersey	Finish panorama with late arrivals	Your stage 10 winner, Thomas Voeckler (Europcar)
Finding a way to win from a break is his special skill		Bradley Wiggins (Sky) and his team successfully handled the first mountain stage today
Bradley Wiggins (Sky) received his 4th (or 5th?) Yellow Jersey today, most ever by a British rider put his short temper with the press reveals the pressure is starting to get to him	Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) is the new KOM leader

Stage 11:  Albertville → La Toussuire-Les Sybelles, 148 km  Full Results and Report

2006 Flashback: A classic photo from the French Alps with the peloton working their way to La Toussuire, the infamous stage where Floyd Landis cracked and lost 10 minutes while wearing the Yellow Jersey	Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) in the KOM kit prior to today's start in Albertville. Levi Leipheimer doesn't look impressed.	With the TV race helicopter looming above, as expected the breaks started right away which left Team Sky to chase all day long
Race panorama early on	Michael Rogers leading Team Sky up Col de la Croix de Fer	Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome descending
After today's stage, 1st and 2nd on GC as they appear on the road here		Bradley Wiggins grabbing badly needed calories before the final climb
La Toussuire-Les Sybelles ski resort complex where today's explosive 148 km stage finished	The last 150 meters	Fans at the finish watching the race on the dumbo-tron as the race approaches
Despite crashing earlier in the race, Pierre Rolland (Europcar) rode solo off the front of the break up to La Toussuire (18 km @ 6.1 %)	Once again, Chris Froome was the last domestique for race leader Bradley Wiggins; Froome pulled back the threatening Vincenzo Nibali and Jurgen Van Den Broeck attack.	Pierre Rolland (Europcar) dancing away like he did on Alpe d'Huez at last year's Tour
The top three GC contenders after today's stage	Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) was dropped on the final climb and relied on best young rider Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing) for pacesetting	Panoramic from 500m to go
For the second day in a row, it's a Europcar rider soloing to the finish	Zipping up for the victory salute in front of a partisan French crowd	26 year-old (best young rider last year) Pierre Rolland wins on La Toussuire by 55 seconds
The small gc group with just five riders. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ-Big Mat) would surge to the front and place 2nd + 55s	Chris Froome's work today would move him into second on GC + 2:05	According to Frank Schleck, race leader Bradley Wiggins had to tell Chris Froome to slow on the final ascent. Vincenzo Nibali benefited from the Team Sky work today to move up to 3rd overall (ahead of Cadel Evans) + 2:23.
A gesture of reconciliation by Bradley Wiggins at the finish today	A mild war of words and gestures over the last several days seems to be settled for the moment	8th Janez Brajkovic (Astana) + 1:58
10th Frank Schleck (RadioShack-Nissan) + 2:23 followed by Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) and Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing). Cadel is now 4th overall + 3:19.	Christopher Horner (RadioShack-Nissan) leading in the next group + 3:53	Your joyous stage 11 winner, Pierre Rolland (Europcar)
Two big wins in a row for Europcar; Pierre Rolland's win today helped his modest GC efforts by moving up to 9th on GC + 8:31	The Europcar directeur sportif predicted today's winner	Bradley Wiggins about to be awarded with his 5th Yellow Jersey
Despite, staying back to support team leader Cadel Evans, Tejay Van Garderen (BMC Racing) strengthened his lead in the young rider's competition today.	Today's stage winner was also awarded most aggressive rider

Stage 12:  Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne → Annonay, 226 km  Full Results and Report

The climbing started 20 km into stage 12 with two consecutive cat 1 climbs	The main break	David Moncoutie (Cofidis) attempted to bridge up on the descent of Col du Grand Cucheron, the first cat 1, but crashed and broke his collarbone. He had completed his previous 11 Tours de France so it was disappointing to crash out of this final Tour. He is retiring at the end of the year.
The peloton led by Bradley Wiggins descending	The break was reduced to five riders at the top of Col du Granier, the second cat 1, with 146 km still go. It consisted of Cyril Gautier (Europcar), David Millar (Garmin-Sharp), Jean-Christophe Peraud (AG2R), Egoi Martinez (Euskaltel) and Robert Kiserlovski (Astana).	The Yellow Jersey temporarily joined a group that rolled off the peloton near the top of Col du Granier
Last km: 145 km later on the longest stage of this year's Tour at 226 km, two riders from the five man break rode clear	David Millar (Garmin-Sharp) and Jean-Christophe Peraud (AG2R) about to contest a two-man sprint	The other three riders from the break seconds back
The two man sprint in Annonay Davézieux after the long break		David Millar wins Stage 12, a similar win to his last Tour road stage win 10 years ago
Something to cheer about for Garmin-Sharp after being one of the worst victims of the first week crashes	Egoi Martinez De Esteban (Euskaltel - Euskadi) wins the sprint for 3rd + 5s	The peloton lead by Sky coming in almost eight minutes later
Matt Goss (Orica-GreenEdge) leading out the sprint for the Green Jersey battle	Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) wasn't happy with being cut off	Peter Sagan making his case which the judges agreed with. Matt Goss was penalized 30-points after initially finishing 6th.
Your stage 12 winner, 35 year-old David Millar (Garmin-Sharp), celebrating his 38th career win (four them in the Tour de France)	Bradley Wiggins (Sky) in Yellow for the sixth day in a row	No change at the top of the KOM competiton. Fredrik Kessiakoff (Astana) in polka-dots after regaining the gain after yesterday's stage.

Stage 13:  Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux → Le Cap d’Agde, 217 km  Full Results and Report

The peloton riding through Pont Saint Esprit, 17 km after leaving the start in Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux	The peloton passing through vineyards on their way south to the Mediterranean Sea	The break riding past festive fans on Bastille Day
The peloton being told to giddy up	After the break was caught on the Mont Saint-Clair cat 3 climb with 23 km to go, Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) and Michael Albasini (Orica-GreenEdge) then rode away with 16 km to go in the strong crosswinds off the Sea	A fan's perspective of the final corner in Cap d’Agde
Race leader Bradley Wiggins driving the pace through the final corner for Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky Procycling) not Mark Cavendish who was dropped on the cat 3 climb 20 km from the finish	André Greipel (Lotto Belisol) jumping around Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky Procycling)	Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) coming around André Greipel (Lotto Belisol)
25m to go with huge crowds on Bastille Day	The sprint finish in full-flight after some tricky corners near the finish in Cap d’Agde	Digging for the line
	André Greipel (Lotto Belisol) throws his bike first	His team did a great job bringing back a late break on the wind swept finish along the Mediterranean Sea then André Greipel (Lotto Belisol) beat Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) in a depleted sprint finish where Mark Cavendish was dropped
Photo finish... photo		André Greipel (Lotto Belisol) celebrates his third win at this year's Tour de France equally Peter Sagan
326-PIC296296583.jpg	Your stage 13 winner, André Greipel (Lotto Belisol)	How many days in Yellow for Bradley Wiggins?
	Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) extended his lead in the Green Jersey competition again today	A futile break earned Michael Morkov (Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank) the most aggressive rider today

Stage 14:  Limoux → Foix, 191 km  Full Results and Report

Mist in the mountains of the Ariège Pyrénées; the break started by Peter Sagan now on Port de Lers, the 2nd of three categorized climbs in the last half of the race	An easy day for race leader, Bradley Wiggins; the peloton followed Team Sky's lead and took the day off	If this were the Giro d'Italia, we would have had fireworks here. The final climb, Mur de Péguère, had so much potential, but it came up flat due to conservative racing and...
... tacks thrown on the road by spectators which resulted in over 20 flats	Running around with their heads cut off. Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) getting another wheel change after his third puncture while Jim Ochowicz fumbles around in the ditch.	The five man break heading into Foix for one circuit
Philippe Gilbert (BMC Racing) followed by Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale), Gorka Izaguirre Insausti (Euskaltel - Euskadi), Sandy Casar (FDJ-Big Mat) and Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank)	Sanchez at the back getting ready to make his move	Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank) made an attack in the final 10 km without a response from the rest of the break
Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank) riding away for the win	This is what the descent into Foix looked like on a evening six years ago	A view of Château du Foix from the other side of town looking back at the mountain which the peloton descended from
Finish panorama	The only rider Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank) had to worry about in the final stretch was himself	Another classic win to add to his palmarès; Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank) can make winning look easy
Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) easily won the sprint for 2nd + 47s and gained more points in the Green Jersey competition	After a chaotic, flat descent into Foix, the peloton finally showed up almost 15 minutes later	It always disappointing to see a big crowd showing up for a neutralized finish
Luis Angel Mate (Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne) decided to sprint for 12th + 18:15	Despite three flats in the final 40 km, Cadel Evans caught back on thanks to Bradley Wiggins unofficially neutralizing the descent	Your stage 14 winner, Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank)
Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank) celebrates his 4th career Tour de France win	An important win for Rabobank which has had a tough Tour with only 4 riders remaining in the race	Bradley Wiggin's Team Sky successfully nullified the three climbs on the day before the tacks at the top of the final climb finally put the nail in the coffin for any further action
	Tejay Van Garderen (BMC Racing) only has one rider to worry about in the young riders competition heading into the final week, Thibaut Pinot (FDJ-Big Mat) + 1:54	He started the successful break and animated the descent into Foix. He may not have won the stage, but Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) was on the podium again this time as today's most aggressive rider

Stage 15:  Samatan → Pau, 159 km  Full Results and Report

The peloton rolling through farmland on Stage 15 north of the Pyrenees. The early fast pace shutdown after the break got away.	With Mark Cavendish sitting fifth, Team Sky was content to let the break get away	The six man break consisting of Thomas Voeckler (Team Europcar), Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Sharp), Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne), Pierrick Fedrigo (FDJ-Big Mat) and Dries Devenyns (Omega Pharma-Quickstep).
Despite two previous lackluster stages and a rest day tomorrow, the peloton wasn't interested in making it a race today		Pierrick Fédrigo (FDJ-BigMat) and Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Sharp) rolled away in the final kms of the stage. The upcoming two man sprint finish didn't look much different.
Most fans expected a mass sprint today. Instead, Pierrick Fédrigo (FDJ-BigMat) wins the most pathetic two-man sprint of all time.	Pierrick Fédrigo (FDJ-BigMat) also won in Pau two years ago	A second win by FDJ-Big Mat and another by a Frenchman... Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Sharp) was content with 2nd, his best Tour stage finish ever
After several late, failed attacks, Nicki Sörensen (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) settled for 4th behind Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) + 12s	The sprinters were content to contest for 7th, eleven minutes later, rather than 1st	Mark Cavendish missed an opportunity for a second stage win today, a consequence of riding on the same team as the GC leader
Your stage 15 winner, Pierrick Fédrigo (FDJ-BigMat) repeats his 2009 Pau win and (podium salute)		Oh hum, another day in Yellow for Bradley Wiggins
It seems other riders have conceded the Green Jersey competition to Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale)	Nicki Sörensen (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) was the most aggressive rider	RadioShack-Nissan continues to lead the teams competition. Jens Voigt said pre-stage this wouldn't be an easy day. It was hot and there was 2000m of climbing, but it was a dull stage.

Stage 16:  Pau → Bagnères-de-Luchon, 197 km  Full Results and Report

Frank Schleck on the podium after Stage 15 with Team RadioShack-Nissan as leaders of the team competition before the rest day	Unfortunately, Frank Schleck's Tour has ended on a sour note and he won't be collecting any more podium teddy bears at this year's Tour.	On the news that Frank Schleck tested positive for a diuretic which can be used as a masking agent for a doping product, Radioshack-Nissan's Philippe Maertens fielded questions prior to stage 16
The remains of the peloton at the start of Col d'Aubisque with 38 riders in a break up the road	Col d'Aubisque scenery	Vladimir Gusev (Katusha) crashed at a picturesque spot on the descent of Col d'Aubisque. After the damage was assessed, his Tour was declared over.
Team Sky once again controled the front of the chase, dictating the race	Today's beautiful weather was a repeat of what we experienced on a September day seven years ago. Looking down the picturesque west side of the Col du Tourmalet which the race climb today.	Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) and Brice Feillu (Saur - Sojasun) dropped Dan Martin (Garmin-Sharp) and went over the Col du Tourmalet first.
Thomas Voeckler then won the two remaining KOMs	Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) turning himself inside out again as he solos over Col de Peyresourde, the final climb. Notice that he has no computer whatsoever on his handlebars	Meanwhile, the GC group was whittled down to Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale), Christopher Froome (Sky) and Bradley Wiggins (Sky) on Col de Peyresourde
Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) attempted, unsuccessfully, to break clear, twice, on the final climb	Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) stretched out his lead on the descent into Bagnères-de-Luchon	Chris Anker Sörensen (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) was second over the top of Col de Peyresourde, but lost ground on the descent
The young and the old; Gorka Izaguirre Insausti (Euskaltel - Euskadi) and Alexandr Vinokourov (Astana) several minutes back	Three remaining GC contenders working well together on the descent	Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) had plenty of time for a prolonged victory salute
	Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) repeats in Bagnères-de-Luchon where he won a Tour stage two years ago	Sörensen loses the battle of the tongues; 2nd Chris Anker Sörensen (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank ) + 1:40
Next to Team Sky, Europcar is the happiest team at this year's race	Best young rider today was Gorka Izaguirre (Euskaltel - Euskadi), who was cheered on by the Basque for 3rd + 3:22 followed by Alexandr Vinokourov (Astana)	5th Brice Feillu (Saur - Sojasun) + 3:58
6th Jens Voigt (RadioShack-Nissan) + 4:18	Jonathan Vaughters tweeted at the start of Stage 16 that Dan Martin would win the stage. However, he was dropped by Thomas Voeckler on Col du Tourmalet and drifted back to finish 7th + 6:08	Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) with Sky's Wiggins and Froome crossing 11th + 7:09
Nothing was settled today, but these three help solidify what will likely be the final podium	Tejay Van Garderen (BMC Racing) crossed in a group for 15th + 8:07 to strengthen his Young Rider lead	Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) answering questions post-stage 16
Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) reloading for one more shot tomorrow	He looks tired	Cadel Evans had to once again lean on his BMC teammates like George Hincapie. He finished 35th + 11:56 to slide further down the GC.
Hincapie, who crashed today, and Evans, hand-in-hand, crossing the line	17th today, Haimar Zubeldia Agirre (RadioShack-Nissan) is quietly 5th overall + 7:13 seen here talking to the Spanish media	Bradley Wiggins (Sky) refueling post race
Your stage 16 winner looks recouped from a long, hot difficult stage	For the second stage in a row we have a Frenchman we has repeated a stage win. On Monday it was Pierrick Fédrigo (FDJ-BigMat) in Pau and today Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) in Bagnères-de-Luchon.	This year's Tour has seen only two riders don the Yellow Jersey
Bradley Wiggins is feeling pretty good now about carrying his lead through to the end	Winner of all four KOMs today, Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) is now back in the polka-dot jersey	Tejay Van Garderen (BMC Racing) extended his lead to 3:48 in the best young rider competition today

Stage 17:  Bagnères-de-Luchon → Peyragudes, 144 km  Full Results and Report

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and teammates planning their big attack today	Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) was feeling pretty good this morning in Bagnères-de-Luchon	Don't know why Mark Cavendish (Sky) was smiling this morning before the final mountain stage
Race leader Bradley Wiggins (Sky) was ready to roll again this morning	We are underway	17 km into the stage with the peloton rolling passed riverside property in Saint-Beat
As part of the break, yesterday's stage winner, Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) won the first three KOMs then beat Fredrik Kessiakoff (Astana) on Port de Bales to virtually wrap up the last remaining jersey competition	Team Sky and Bradley Wiggins were once again in control on this stage and were never in trouble	Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) attacked the break on Port de Bales and then soloed up the finishing climb to Peyragudes through rows of Basque fans
Norway was pretty well represented as well, but gave Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) more room than the Basque fans	Christopher Froome (Sky) and Bradley Wiggins (Sky) dropped Vincenzo Nibali and then went after Valverde	Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) couldn't mustard a credible attack today
Alejandro Valverde gives Movistar their first win of this year's race	Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) wins his first Tour de France stage since 2005	You would think that necklace would slow him down
	Chris Froome (Sky) probably would have caught Valverde, but he wasn't about to drop his teammate and smiling race leader in the process. They crossed 2nd and 3rd + 19s.	A big smirk on the face of Bradley Wiggins who knows with three stages still remaining, he has all but wrapped up this year's race. Froome, on the other hand, just gave away a stage win which you never do according to ex-pros.
4th Thibaut Pinot (FDJ-Big Mat) + 22s	Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) needed to gain big time today, but instead lost time. He finished 7th + 37s.	Anothee fine ride by Tejay Van Garderen (BMC Racing) who finished 8th today and barring a crash in the final three days should win the Best Young Rider competition
9th Christopher Horner (RadioShack-Nissan) + 1:02	Another bad day for last year's winner, 18th Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) + 2:10	A panorama of the gruppetto climbing to the Peyragudes ski resort
	Your stage 17 winner, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar)	Also, voted the most aggressive rider today
Bradley Wiggins can barely hold back a big smile now	Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) will win the KOM competition	It's all downhill from here for the Jersey leaders. When was the last time all the Jerseys at the Tour were decided with three stages still remaining? In addition, Saturday's long ITT will, surprisingly, have little impact on the GC Top 10.
Bradley Wiggins should have no need to look over his shoulder now

Stage 18:  Blagnac → Brive-la-Gaillarde, 223 km  Full Results and Report

Sunflowers!	Bradley Wiggins' Team Sky didn't have to do much work at the front of the chase, but he and his teammates did come to the front in the final kms at setup a sprint finish	The teams that missed the break were doing the chasing today
When the peloton is strung out like this you know the pace is fast; the peloton didn't let the break get much of a gap which made for a fast stage. 223k in under 5 hours.	Luis Leon Sanchez and Nicholas Roche, the reminents of the break, were caught be the Manx Missile in the full-flight with 100m to go in Brive-la-Gaillarde	Mark Cavendish (Sky) with 50m to go, distancing the field
A better angle on the size of the winning margin	Best post-race quote was from his leadout man Bradley Wiggins: 'He left them for dead, didn't he?'	Mark Cavendish easily wins stage 18
Only the second win of this year's Tour for Cavendish. Matt Goss and Peter Sagan, left, were 2nd and 3rd	We should see this salute again in Paris in two days	L-to-R: 3rd Peter Sagan, 6th Tyler Farrar, 2nd Matt Goss
	Mark Cavendish on stage for his 22nd career Tour stage win.	Race leader Bradley Wiggins and the new French president, François Hollande
France's current favorite son, Thomas Voeckler, meets the new French president, François Hollande	In likely his final Tour de France, being the most aggressive rider on Stage 18 will probably be Alexander Vinokourov's (Astana) only podium appearance

Stage 19:  Bonneval → Chartres, 53.5 km  Full Results and Report

Bradley Wiggins (Sky) put an exclamation point on this year's race	Bradley Wiggins cruising through the flat farmland southwest of Paris	Bradley Wiggins on the finishing stretch
Bradley Wiggins win the 53.5 km ITT in 1:04:13 (49.9870 kmh or 31.0604 mph)	After three weeks of controlled racing, Bradley Wiggins let go with an emphatic victory salute	Bradley Wiggins (Sky) is your 2012 Tour de France winnner, the first from Great Britain: consistently good in the road stages and two dominating wins in the individual time-trials including today's which he won by 1:16.
Once again, teammate Chris Froome posted the second best time	2nd Chris Froome (Sky) + 1:16 for 2nd overall + 2:05	Spanish national TT champ, Luis Leon Sanchez (Rabobank) had the best time until Wiggins and Froome came through. He finished 3rd + 1:50.
Best young rider Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing) was looking to move up a spot today...	Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing), 7th today + 2:34 for 5th overall, where he started the day, + 11:04	16th Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) + 3:38 for 3rd overall + 6:19
First GC podium finish by a Italian in how long? Since Ivan Basso's 2nd place finish since 2005?	Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Lotto Belisol) hung onto fourth overall with his 26 place finish + 4:20	To finish in the top 10 of your first Tour de France (and Grand Tour) as the youngest rider in the race is a huge achievement... especially if you're French. 41st Thibaut Pinot (FDJ-Big Mat) + 5:31 for 10th overall + 17:17.
42nd Haimar Zubeldia Agirre (RadioShack-Nissan) + 5:32 was the only rider to move up in the top 10. He moved past Cadel Evans for 6th + 15:43, his 4th top 10 finish in his career.	Last year's overall winner Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) suffered until the end, 52nd + 5:54	The torch may have changed hands today at BMC, Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing) celebrates his best young rider win with his girlfriend post race
Your stage 19 ITT winner, Bradley Wiggins (Sky)	Bradley Wiggins' indulging himself knowing it's the winner's jersey now and not the leader's jersey anymore	A dream come true
Bradley Wiggins bows to the crowd	Bradley Wiggins didn't sing at the post-race press conference, but it was an impressive performance nonetheless. Here's the complete audio.

Stage 20:  Rambouillet → Paris Champs-Élysées, 130 km  Full Results and Report

The final day is a ceremonial stage until the Champs-Élysées circuits with 45 km to go and the inevitable sprint finish	The Yellow Jersey, Bradley Wiggins, in front of Mark Cavendish today	Champs-Élysées panorama
Jens Voigt (RadioShack-Nissan) on the attack	Team Sky at the front of the chase	Bradley Wiggins would leadout Mark Cavendish when we got to the final corner
The back of the train	Mark Cavendish led through the final corner and then jumped with 300m to go and held on	For the fourth year in a row, Mark Cavendish wins the final stage of the Tour de France on the Champs-Élysées
The first rider to every win on the Champs-Élysées in the World's Champion Jersey	Bradley Wiggins thinks he's not worthy of the final Yellow Jersey	It may look the same, but there is a big difference between the leader's jersey and the winner's jersey. Your 2012 Tour de France winner, Bradley Wiggins.
Lots of British fans out to celebrate the first British Tour de France winner	The final podium, 2nd FROOME, Christopher (SKY PROCYCLING) + 3:21, 1st WIGGINS, Bradley (SKY PROCYCLING) 87:34:42, 3rd NIBALI, Vincenzo (LIQUIGAS-CANNONDALE) + 6:19	The jersey winners, Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale), Bradley Wiggins (Sky), Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) and Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing)
	Chris Anker Sørensen (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff) was awarded super combative title as the most aggressive rider in the race	On behalf of Bradley Wiggins and the Tour de France, thanks for tuning in.